One Minute a Day to Better Health

Okay, we admit it.  We are afraid that if we write a blog post about flossing no one will read it. Yet, we are passionate about saving teeth – and that means flossing. People used to keep their teeth in a jar at night, but we want you to be able to keep yours where they belong, in your mouth. If that requires flossing – count us in. What about you?

Brushing alone does a good job of cleaning the visible surfaces of your teeth, but leaves bacteria and debris building up between them. Just imagine, if you do not floss there are places in your mouth that never get cleaned. That’s pretty gross. With floss, you simply wipe down the sides of each tooth removing plaque, bacteria, and other stuff you don't want to hear about.

When left alone the bacteria grow and create an infection called periodontal gum disease.This condition is not only the number one cause of tooth loss, but is also linked to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer. 

Flossing only takes 1-2 minutes a day. Not bad for something that can save your teeth and your health. What are you waiting for? It's time to make a commitment to flossing every day.

3 Ways kickstart a flossing habit:

• Floss in the shower
• Floss one tooth for a few days, then make it two, then three, etc. 
• Make it automatic by linking it to another habit already in place

We even have a flossing joke for you:  

Patient: “I just don’t have time to floss my teeth."

Dentist: “Okay. Just floss the ones you want to keep.”

If you are looking for a new dentist in the Rocklin area, we would love to meet you. Call (916) 624-3119 to schedule an appointment, or if you prefer - drop by to meet us first. 

Comfortable and Convenient - Same Day Dental Crowns

Needing a crown used to mean multiple dental appointments and wearing temporary crowns for weeks that could break, come loose, or contribute to tooth sensitivity. Not anymore.

We love the new dental technologies that allow us to create durable and natural looking crowns in just one appointment. Our patients love the comfort and convenience. 

Crowns are an important tool in saving teeth and creating beautiful smiles. Here are some more benefits of the technology we use that allows you to get yours in just one day:

• No temporary crown
• Fewer appointments
• Environmentally friendly
• Cost is similar to a traditional crown
• Color matched to your natural teeth
• Less chance of an allergic reaction
• Often preserve more of your natural tooth structure

To learn more about same day crowns or schedule a consultation, call (916) 624-3119 Rocklin, CA

Pregnancy and Oral Health - What You Need to Know

Bringing a baby into the world is a true blessing, but also brings more responsibility. How you treat yourself and your oral health during your pregnancy can impact your little one. Here are some tips that will help you take better care of both of you during this special time.

• Let us know you are pregnant and if there have been any medication changes or special recommendations by your doctor.
• Routine dental visits and x-rays are safe for most women during pregnancy. You can feel even more confident with the digital x-rays we use in our office.
• If you have not been to the dentist in the last 6 months it is important for you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
• You will be more prone to developing gingivitis (early gum disease) due to hormonal changes. This bacterial infection has been linked to pre-term and low birth weight babies. Be sure to contact us if you experience tender, sore, or bleeding gums in order to prevent this possibility.
• If you experience morning sickness and vomiting the stomach acid in your mouth can damage your teeth. Try swishing your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to bring your mouth back to a healthy PH balance. 
• Some women develop pregnancy tumors, which are swollen, non-cancerous tissue that often shows up between teeth. In most cases these will go away on their own after your baby is born.
• Eating a healthy balanced diet is important for both you and your little one.
• Taking good care of your teeth at home by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as getting regular check ups and professional teeth cleaning  should all be a part of your pregnacy health plan.

Our goal is to support you and share in your excitement during this special time. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call.  (916) 624-3119

It's Time for Beautiful Spring Smiles

There is something about spring ...  The air feels fresh.  Flowers bloom.  And, everything feels just a little brighter.

That is what makes spring the perfect time to consider whitening or upgrading your smile. There are many special events this time of year that involve having your picture taken, and you will feel much happier when you have a smile you are proud to share.

If you are a bride, groom. or member of a wedding party who wants your smile to be photo ready for that special day, we encourage you to come in soon. Starting now will allow us to ensure your smile makeover will be complete before the last minute wedding stress even begins. You will be able to relax and enjoy each and every special moment.

And, don't forget, March through June, you can whiten your teeth and help a child with our Smiles for Life Campaign. Suppliers donate whitening products and we donate our time, so that every penny you spend on whitening your smiles goes to children's charities in our area.

We want to help you put a spring in your step, a smile on your face, and enjoy this wonderful season.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us at (916) 624-3119.

How to Keep Your Kids Cavity Free

In the past it was considered normal for children to have a lot of cavities and fillings, but not anymore. With proper care, it is possible for kids to grow up cavity free and we are very happy to be a part of the solution.

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, happen when teeth are attacked by acid and bacteria. The acid comes from certain foods, drinks, and the byproducts of bacteria that live in the mouth. When a tooth is exposed to acid repeatedly it will start to de-mineralize and if the attacks continue a cavity will develop. 

No one wants their kids to have cavities and preventing them can save a lot of money over time. We recommend this 5 step plan to keep your little ones cavity free.

Limit Cavity Causing Foods – Foods that are dangerous for teeth include sodas, sugar, highly acidic foods, and white foods like bread or pasta. Be sure to read nutrition labels because sugar can be hidden in surprising places. We recommend saving cookies and candy for special occasions and not having them before bedtime unless teeth are brushed afterward. 

Take Advantage of the Benefits of Fluoride – Fluoride is a mineral and it can be used to help replace the minerals teeth have lost. It is important to be aware of how much fluoride your children are exposed to. It can be found in water, vitamins, toothpaste, and foods processed with fluoridated water. Too much fluoride can be unhealthy and cause teeth discoloration. We will be happy to help you with specific recommendations for your children.

Consider Dental Sealants – Getting sealants is an easy process that involves no shots or drilling. A tooth colored filling-like material is simply painted on the molar teeth. This material prevents the acid from getting into the high-risk pits and grooves where cavities usually start.    

Motivate Your Children to Brush and Floss – It goes without saying that taking care of teeth will keep them healthy. We recommend brushing before going to bed to prevent acids from sitting on the teeth all night long. Monitor your kids to make sure they are being thorough and make the process enjoyable with fun kid-oriented products. 

Stay Up to Date with Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning – Visiting us is a big part of the solution. With regular dental checkups we can catch things early, when they are simple and inexpensive to take care of.  Kids will learn going to the dentist can be fun and not fear or avoid dental treatment later in life. And, we are your best resource for helping you protect your children's teeth. 

You can schedule an appointment in our Rocklin office by calling (916) 624-3119.  We promise to take great care of you and your family!

How to Retrain Your Tastebuds to Overcome Sugar Addiction

We all know sugar is unhealthy. It causes cavities, obesity, and makes us look old. Recent research has also linked sugar to many major diseases that cause early death, and yet we still keep eating it.

Sugar tastes so good!  At least, in the beginning. When we eat too much of it our brain receptors change and it is no longer as rewarding as it used to be. So, we crave more and many of us become addicted. The signs that you may be a sugar addict include cravings and losing control.

Sound familiar?

Being in the dental profession, we know that foods, tobacco, and other influences can coat your tongue and limit your ability to taste and enjoy natural flavors that are healthy. Keeping your tongue clean is an important step in being able to retrain your taste buds. In addition to brushing your tongue, you may want to try using a tongue scraper to clean it even better. It's not as scary as it sounds. Giving up tobacco is a great step for many reasons, as well. 

For more guidelines on retraining your tastebuds we checked in with the experts at WebMD.  Here is what they had to say: 

• Detoxes and quitting sugar cold turkey can be like reset buttons, but it is unlikely you will be able to maintain a sugar free lifestyle over time. 
• Small incremental changes will yield more long lasting results.  Consider eliminating one sugary food each week and over time your desire for sugar will be greatly diminished.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners. They can cause sugar cravings and are often not healthy.
• Eat protein and fiber to prevent hunger cravings, as well as sugar highs and lows.
• Check food labels and watch for hidden sugar sometimes labeled as a syrup, nectar, or juice.
• Eat good sweets like fresh fruit. As your taste buds adapt these foods will taste better than ever.

Your Holiday Dental Emergency Guide

The holidays are about fun and family, but we know from experience that someone will end up having a tooth problem. Painful, broken, or knocked out teeth can ruin your holiday if you don't know what to do.

The following guidelines will help you get through most dental emergencies.  If something happens that is not an emergency you can leave a message on our voice mail and we will call you when we are back in to schedule an appointment.

If You Break a Tooth

You will want to be careful not to use the tooth so that it doesn't break further. If it is not painful when it happens, you will probably not experience pain later.

If it is painful, the damage may be deep enough that the nerve of the tooth is reacting. Temporary solutions include using a cotton ball with oil of cloves or a piece of chewed gum to insulate the area. Be very, very gentle so that nothing else breaks. Pharmacies can have products that will help, as well.

If your tooth is painful or feels like it is continuing to break, call as soon as possible. If you feel it can be kept stable and pain free until we are back in, leave a message or call us right away when the office opens again.

If a Tooth is Knocked Out

1. Try to save what you can of the tooth. Do not try to clean it or touch the roots.
2. Try to gently put the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place. If this doesn't work, hold it in your cheek so that is still in saliva, but be very careful not to swallow it.
3. If that isn't working put the tooth in milk, saline, or your own saliva.
4. Get help immediately by contacting your dentist, an oral surgeon, or going to an emergency room.

If A Crown Comes Off

Most pharmacies carry temporary cement kits that will help you get the crown back in place for a short period of time. Do this only if you feel sure there is no danger of swallowing it if it comes loose again. DO NOT use Superglue or any other household adhesives. 

Be careful not to use the tooth with or without temporary adhesive to avoid damaging it further. Call our office so that we can get you in quickly. Bring the crown with you so that it can be professionally re-cemented, making it safe and secure again. 

If You Have a Toothache

Very painful or throbbing teeth need attention right away. The pain is a sign that something is seriously wrong or that there is an infection. 

You can get temporary relief with over the counter pain relievers. Take them orally, do not place them directly on your gums as it won't help the pain and may cause irritation. If there is swelling, use an ice pack to help control it. You can also try flossing gently around the tooth to see if anything has become lodged between the tooth and the gums. 

Call us right away so that they can assess the situation and help you be more comfortable. 

If You Bite Your Lip or Tongue

Clean the wound gently with water and put ice on it to help prevent swelling. If it continues to bleed a lot after a few minutes, go to the dentist or emergency room. You may need stitches. 

We wish all of you happy, emergency free holidays, but it's good to know that if something happens you will know what to do. 

And one more thing, please don't drink and drive. It's not worth the risk.